Craftsman 20-in. Brushless Cordless Push Mower With Axial Blower

The Craftsman 20-in. Brushless Cordless Push Mower With Axial Blower (CMCK270P2) has been an interesting addition to my collection of yard tools. As someone who values efficiency and ease of use, I was eager to see how this mower would perform, especially given its brushless motor and cordless design. Over the past few weeks, I've put this mower through its paces, and here's my detailed take on its performance and features.

Initial Impressions and Setup

Straight out of the box, the Craftsman mower impresses with its lightweight design. Weighing in at 53 pounds, it's significantly lighter than many of its gas-powered counterparts. The assembly process was straightforward and took me about 15 minutes. The instructions were clear, and all the necessary tools were included. The mower comes with two 5.0 Ah batteries, which is a thoughtful inclusion as it means less downtime waiting for a recharge.

Design and Build Quality

The mower has a modern, sleek look, but its predominantly plastic construction does raise some concerns about durability. The handle is attached to the mower body with just two screws, and while it feels secure during use, it does seem a bit flimsy. That said, the lightweight construction makes it incredibly easy to maneuver, even in tight spaces. The vertical storage capability is a fantastic feature, especially for those with limited storage space.

Performance

The brushless motor is a standout feature, providing extended runtime and efficient power delivery. In my experience, the dual-lever height adjustment was easy to use, allowing me to quickly switch between cutting heights from 1.5 inches to 3.5 inches. This flexibility is great for different types of grass and mowing conditions.

The mower starts off at a lower speed and ramps up when it encounters thicker grass. This intelligent speed adjustment worked well most of the time, although there were instances where it seemed to struggle with very thick or wet grass. In those situations, the mower would bog down, and I had to make multiple passes to get an even cut.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery life is always a critical factor for cordless tools, and the Craftsman mower is no exception. On a full charge, the two 5.0 Ah batteries provided me with about 50 minutes of runtime, which was sufficient to mow my medium-sized yard. However, the recharge time is quite long, taking around 4-5 hours to fully charge. This means that if you have a larger yard, you might need to plan your mowing sessions around the battery life or invest in additional batteries.

One downside is that the batteries are not removable, which means you have to bring the entire mower to the power outlet for charging. This can be inconvenient, especially if your power source is far from your storage area.

Cutting and Bagging

The mower's cutting performance is generally good, providing a clean cut on short to medium-length grass. However, it does struggle with taller or thicker grass, which can lead to uneven cutting and the need for multiple passes. The clipping collector bag is on the smaller side and fills up quickly, requiring frequent emptying. This can be a bit of a hassle, but it's manageable for smaller yards.

One issue I encountered was with the blade. After a season of use, the blade became dull, and removing it for sharpening was a challenge. The blade was torqued on tightly, and even with the included spanner and some WD-40, it was difficult to remove. This could be a significant drawback for those who like to maintain their equipment regularly.

Ease of Use and Maneuverability

One of the mower's strongest points is its ease of use. The lightweight design and low-profile build make it easy to navigate around obstacles and tight corners. The handle is comfortable to grip, and the mower starts easily with a push-button ignition. The safety features, including a key and a button that must be held down while pulling the handle, add an extra layer of security, especially for families with children.

Noise and Maintenance

The mower is relatively quiet compared to gas-powered models, making it a good option for residential areas where noise might be a concern. Maintenance is minimal, mainly involving battery charging and occasional blade sharpening. The brushless motor should also require less maintenance over time compared to brushed motors.

Final Thoughts and Recommendation

Overall, the Craftsman 20-in. Brushless Cordless Push Mower With Axial Blower offers a blend of convenience, ease of use, and decent performance for small to medium-sized yards. Its lightweight design and vertical storage capability are standout features, and the inclusion of two batteries is a significant advantage.

However, the mower does have its drawbacks. The plastic construction raises concerns about long-term durability, and the battery life and recharge time may not be sufficient for larger yards. Additionally, the difficulty in removing the blade for maintenance is a notable issue.

Would I recommend this mower? If you have a small to medium-sized yard and prioritize ease of use and storage, this mower could be a good fit. It's particularly suitable for those who want to avoid the hassle of gas and oil maintenance. However, if you have a larger yard or thicker grass, you might find the battery life and cutting power to be limiting. In that case, investing in a more powerful model or additional batteries might be necessary.